HIV and AIDS are definitely up
there in the ‘taboo subject’ category. Unfortunately, because people feel too
ashamed to talk about it openly and get tested if they feel they may have put
themselves at risk, the disease will continue to thrive, especially in certain
communities.
This week is National HIV Testing
Week, so what does that mean for us? Well, many people assume that HIV is an
illness generally associated with the gay population and African population.
While this is true, the infection isn’t restricted to these people alone.
Around one in 650 people in the UK
is HIV positive – but worryingly, these are only the people that have been
tested. Individuals can live with the disease for years without ever knowing,
living freely to pass on the virus. So essentially, if you have ever had
unprotected sex, you are at risk.
The reason that HIV is such a
scary prospect is because there is no cure. Many people also conclude that HIV
and AIDS are the same thing, or at least that AIDS is certainly impending and
subsequently fatal. Thankfully, this is not the case and generally people
coping with HIV can live perfectly fulfilled and healthy lives.
While the advancement in medicine
is fantastic, we need to accept that it is our responsibility to combat HIV and
AIDS for good. If everyone got tested if they felt they had put themselves at
even the most minor risk and those already infected with HIV treated their
illness sensibly and accordingly then eventually HIV and AIDS could be
eliminated for good.
For more information about HIV
and AIDS including a list of symptoms and where to go if you think you might
have become infected, head to http://www.tht.org.uk/myhiv/HIV-and-you/News/Latest-News/National-HIV-Testing-Week
for all the advice that you need.
